Gym etiquette… It’s a thing, you know.
But the problem is that, especially for those who’re new to the world of workout, you’re probably not quite sure what is or isn’t acceptable in such a situation.
Well, never fear, because the following is a list of some of the more common faux-pas made by many of us when we first venture into what, let’s be honest, can be a fairly intimidating environment when you’re a newbie…
- Do…. Wipe up your sweat: Probably the number one thing that’ll wind up other gym members if you fail to do it. After all, sitting or lying in someone else’s body fluid isn’t something any of us want to do. This includes mats, machines and weights, as well as any area around the floor where you’ve been working out. Keep a small towel with you or use the blue roll that all good gyms supply.
- Don’t… Stare: Most of us want to work out in private, and the feeling of someone gawping at you can be really intimidating (even if all you’re doing is watching their technique or jaw-dropping prowess…)
- Do… Put your stuff away: That goes for weights, bands, mats and any other equipment that you have to move to carry out your training. There’s no magic clean up fairy, and you’re an adult, so tidy up after yourself.
- Don’t… Hog the machines: Much as you’d probably like it to be different, the gym isn’t your own personal space. If there’s a queue for the treadmill (or whatever) then limit your time on it. If there’s others who want to use the same weight machine then rotate sets with them. It’s all about manners, and treating others as you’d like to be treated yourself.
- Do… Wear the right gear: No, we’re not talking about high fashion or uber-expensive clothing. What we mean is don’t ‘over-expose’ – even if you’re got the six-pack of Adonis or a butt do die for, it’s good practice to keep your shirt on and wear shorts or tights that aren’t too revealing.
- Don’t… Be late for classes or training sessions: Nothing annoys an instructor more – or indeed other members’ of the class – than late comers. OK, we can all be a little tardy on occasion, but don’t become ‘that’ person who’s always barging into the class five minutes late.
- Do… Be tidy in the changing areas: Clean up after yourself when using sinks and showers, store your personal items in a locker, put dirty towels in the towel bin etc.
- Don’t… Crash weights back to the floor: After all, if you can pick ‘em up, you can put ‘em down in a controlled fashion too…
- Do… Use the correct areas for various exercises: Nothing will annoy others more than using the squat rack as a place to do bicep curls. If you’re not sure what or where the squat rack is, then ask a member of staff.
- Don’t… Shout! Either to other people or when you’re lifting weights. OK, so many of us grunt a bit when lifting weights, but it doesn’t need to be a full on yell – and neither does your communication with others.
- Do… Put weight machines back to low setting after use. Because the next person might not have your awesome strength and do themselves damage because they didn’t realise how heavy it was set.
- Don’t… Use your mobile phone to make loud calls: And especially on speaker phone (when did that become acceptable public behaviour?). You’re at the gym to work out – so work out. Surely that chat with your mate can wait till you’ve finished….?
It makes sense to ask about any rules when you join a new gym, such as footwear requirements, amount of time you can spend on machines at peak times, sign in formalities and any other courtesies expected.
The best gyms, such as Bailey Fitness, will walk you through everything you need to know when you sign up, and the friendly staff are always on hand to answer any questions you might have. This cordial approach ensures the best atmosphere for everyone to workout in harmony, meaning everybody can easily work towards their own personal goals. We are located at Morley, Baldivis and Southern River, so why not stop by and check us out soon?
